Breast Cancer Uncovered

As the season closes, we're sitting down for a really important conversation about breast cancer risk—what it means, what we know, and why talking about it matters.We're joined by Dr. Sarah Vinnicombe, a leading breast radiologist; Dr. Anita Raja, a GP who's passionate about helping people better understand their health; and Libby Pearson, who generously shares her personal journey of choosing preventative surgery after discovering she was at high risk of developing breast cancer. We're also joined by Professor Gareth Evans MBE, a leading expert in cancer genetics, who brings decades of experience in helping people understand inherited cancer risk.Together, we chat about the factors that can influence your risk, the life-changing importance of early detection, and how having honest conversations about breast health can empower us all.

Dr. Louise Newson, a leading expert in women's hormones, explores the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk.She is joined by Professor Daniel Rea, who shares insights into the latest research, and Iyna Fiaz, who brings her lived experience and unique perspective to the discussion. Together, they explore menopausal symptoms, the role of oestrogen in health, and the importance of personalised treatment. They also address common misconceptions about HRT and highlight the need for informed, open conversations about women's health.

We explore the realities of living with metastatic breast cancer with Laura Price, presenter of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, who shares her experience from her initial diagnosis to being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Laura is joined by Dr. Shradha Lakhani and Professor Peter Schmid, who discuss common misconceptions about metastatic breast cancer, the importance of exercise, and the emotional and physical challenges of living with the disease. Together, they highlight advances in treatment that are helping more people live well for longer, while emphasising the importance of support, understanding, and honest conversations about metastatic breast cancer.

This episode shines a light on two rare but important forms of breast cancer: pregnancy-associated breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer.Featuring consultant obstetrician Dr. Ellen Knox, Naomi John from The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK, Dr. Ashleigh Williams, who shares both her professional and personal experience with cancer, and Anna Partington, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, the conversation explores the unique challenges these diagnoses present.

Amy and Naren explore the journey of a breast cancer diagnosis, from recognising the initial symptoms to navigating the emotional impact of hearing the words, "you have breast cancer." They are joined by Laura Leonard and Durga Parmar, who both share their personal experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing treatment, and making sense of the unfamiliar medical terminology that follows a diagnosis.

Amy Dowden opens up about the deeply personal decision to undergo a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. Joined by breast surgeon Naren Basu, they explore the factors that influence treatment decisions, the emotional and practical realities of choosing surgery, and the importance of feeling informed and supported throughout the process. Together, they discuss how treatment choices are tailored to each individual, dispel common misconceptions, and highlight the value of open, honest conversations between patients and their healthcare teams. Amy's candid reflections offer reassurance and insight for anyone navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or supporting a loved one through treatment.